News 06:00

BULLETIN 25 September 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile says the government of national unity is a chance to reimagine good governance
# Nersa announces public consultation on Eskom’s tariff hike
# And rugby: There are nine changes for the Boks against Argentina

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the reality of the political climate under the government of national unity, is an opportunity to collectively re-imagine what the heritage of good governance in South Africa can look like. He delivered the keynote address at the commemoration of Heritage Day in Ficksburg, Free State, yesterday. Mashatile says it is through understanding and celebrating the shared heritage that the country can move forward as a united and inclusive society:

Meanwhile, Mashatile has acknowledged that the government could have done more to prepare for the extent of the snowfall experienced in several parts of the country. Yesterday, he delivered the keynote address at the government’s Heritage Day commemoration event in Ficksburg in the Free State. Several provinces experienced heavy snow in the past few days including in KwaZulu-Natal, where two people died from hypothermia. Mashatile says South Africans must be alive to the impact of climate change:

# The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has officially published Eskom’s controversial request for a 36-percent electricity tariff hike starting next year. The DA is opposing this application and calling for its rejection. Public submissions on the proposal are open until 1 November, with public hearings scheduled from 18 November to 4 December. The power utility seeks a total revenue increase of 446-billion-rand for 2026, with further hikes planned for 2027 and 2028, potentially reaching one-trillion-rand. 

# Mamelodi Regional Hospital in Tshwane has become the first facility in Gauteng to meet National Health Insurance standards following extensive upgrades. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko unveiled newly refurbished sections, including expanded female medical, male surgical, and paediatric wards. The hospital now operates with 500 beds and upgraded medical equipment, including new radiology and theatre facilities. Hospital CEO Naing Soe told News24 the improvements have reduced patient wait times and overcrowding: 

# At least 30 decomposing bodies were found in a boat drifting around 70 kilometres off the coast of Senegal’s capital Dakar yesterday, according to a spokesperson of the Senegal Defence Force. The navy was informed of the boat’s presence on Sunday evening and a patrol boat was immediately deployed to the area, the military said in a statement. So far thirty bodies have been counted, it said, adding that investigations would provide more precise information on the death toll and the boat’s origin.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made nine changes and one positional switch for their title-deciding Rugby Championship encounter against Argentina in Mbombela. Siya Kolisi will resume as captain, as he is one of six double World Cup winners recalled to the starting lineup. Manie Libbok and Jaden Hendrikse are paired as start halfbacks for the first time. Eben Etzebeth will become the most capped Springbok of all time. Erasmus says he is happy to have some fresh players back in the team:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-72-cents and the euro at 19-rand-38-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-19-cents and Bitcoin trades at 64-thousand-127-dollars-20-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-660-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-22-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….